Plug-in Prius Hard/Stiff Suspension

have you driven another pri to compare? i came from a 2008 and didn't notice any difference.

could the previous owner have done any modifications?

plastic rattles are the norm, and not a reflection of the suspension, although it maybe stiffer than sedan.

lastly, what tyres and pressures?

 

All four of the Prii I've had have been WAY smoother than the 4X4 diesel truck I was driving in Honduras. Especially since the roads here are less likely to swallow your vehicle whole!

Kidding aside, I think Bisco has a good idea in comparing to another Prius if you can. Lowering tire pressure, if they are pumped up hard, will help with the little bumps. And depending on what tires you have, a different brand might help. You might want to peruse the tire threads here for some background research.

 

Start by checking the tire pressure all around. You may be surprised to find out the previous driver kept them over-inflated for better EV range and more MPG.

 

Are you sure you're not coming form Fleetwood or Eldorado .

My PIP with way overinflated tires (cureently @ 54 psi and heading higher this spring) does not feel much harsher than our v @ 45psi and is less harsh than our Civic Hybrid when I drove it @ 58psi... Slightly smoother than the Civic at its current 45psi and +185k miles.

 

What wheels does it have?

There are a few modifications available to improve handling, e.g. strut brace, chassis brace and rear sway bar - these will result in a harsher ride, so maybe check if any are installed (you'll need to look underneath for the latter two). I think the chassis brace in particular has an adverse effect on ride quality.

I went from a French car (Peugeot 406) which was renowned for its smooth ride to a Prius - the suspension is certainly harder but I don't think it's particularly bad. I wouldn't expect as big a difference coming from a Hyundai, but suspension setups could be different on US spec cars anyway (generally softer than what we get here). The interior rattles less than my previous car (French + diesel = not great in that respect)

 

good point. if you look at her other two posts, she mentions scion and fore runner wheels.

 

Yeah need more info. I keep picturing the OP's vehicle, with it's 18" ultra-low profile wheels, lowered with aftermarket shocks/springs.

 

I know this is a necro-post but I just need to clarify that the above in BOLD is absolutely false. These modifications do NOT result in a harsher ride. Their result is the suspension better able to do it's job without chassis flex without contribution to harsher ride comfort. Lowering springs will affect the vehicle's comfort.

 

You can't increase rigidity without increasing NVH, it's half the reason why normal passenger cars aren't so stiff by default. It might not have as dramatic an effect as stiffer springs, but it will make a difference.